About Us

About Us

Meet Dr. Michelle

About Us

The Children's Dental Center opened in Fishers, Indiana in March of 2007. We are located minutes from I-69 and are easily accessible by residents of Central Indiana, including the areas of Indianapolis, Noblesville, and Carmel.

Michelle H. Edwards, DDS

For Dr. Michelle Edwards, pediatric dentistry is about more than dental health; it’s about creating a pleasant visit to the dental office promoting an establishment of trust and confidence in children that will last a lifetime. “My position is to help build a dental home, valuing prevention, early detection and treatment of dental disease in children,” she says.

Dr. Edwards grew up in Munster, IN, around multiple family members who worked in medical and dental fields. She attended University of South Carolina to attain a BA in psychology, and completed a 2-year hospital residency and obtained her Master’s degree in Pediatric Dentistry from Indiana University at the Riley Hospital for Children in 2003, after which she served as an associate at a dental office on the south side of Indianapolis before deciding to start her own pediatric practice.

As a child, Dr. Edwards remembers trips to the dentist as unpleasant. “Our dentist was a big, unfriendly man with large hands,” she says. “I didn’t like going to the dentist at all. My goal with my own practice is to make it as place where children, even if they come in with fears or a nervous feeling, can leave with a smile on their face and anticipation of their next visit.” Her patients and their parents affectionately call her “Dr. Michelle.”

In professional circles, Dr. Edwards holds a Diplomate fromThe American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, is a Fellow Member of The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of both the American Dental Association and the Indiana Society of Pediatric Dentistry.

When she isn’t making her dental office more fun than the local Chuckie Cheese (according to a pint sized patient), Dr. Edwards is spending time with her periodontist husband, Michael and their three children at their Indianapolis home. The family enjoys playing golf together, fishing, sitting on the beach, and movie nights.

Dr. Kathleen shares in Dr. Michelle’s mission to help families set the stage for a life-long commitment to oral health in a friendly and approachable manner. Together, they work to make each visit to The Children’s Dental Center a pleasant one, focusing on promoting an establishment of trust and confidence in children that can last a lifetime.

In professional circles, Dr. Kathleen is a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Indiana Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Indiana Dental Association, and the Indianapolis District Dental Society. She is also a life member of the Indiana University Alumni Association.

Dr. Kathleen and her husband, Scott, have three daughters: Julia, Lucy, and Ruby. In her free time, Kathleen enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and visiting state and national parks with her family. Dr. Kathleen also has a black belt in taekwondo from North Indy Taekwondo Club, and encourages whole body health.

Lauren Hippenmeyer, DDS

Dr. Lauren Hippenmeyer is from Greenwood, Indiana. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University where she majored in Biology and double minored in the areas of Spanish and Chemistry. Following her undergraduate degree, she completed a Master’s of Science in Biology at IUPUI, and most recently received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Dr. Hippenmeyer takes great pride in the treatment she provides and looks forward to treating each and every patient as if they were family. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, watching football (Go Pack Go!), listening to live music, and eating any kind of pizza.

Our dedicated team provides premiere pediatric dental care.

Meet the Team

Amy L. Brahm, Licensed Dental Hygienist

Licensed Dental Hygienist Amy Brahm has been practicing dental hygiene since 2003. Working in a pediatric practice like Children’s Dental Center allows her to provide quality preventive care through routine dental cleanings, radiographs and fluoride treatments. She also educates patients and their parents on daily care measures to achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile they are proud to show to everyone.

Amy grew up in southern Indiana in a small town near Santa Claus and moved around the state before relocating to Indianapolis in 2012. She decided to go into the dental profession to help others and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2003 with a degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Southern Indiana. Amy was inducted as a faculty member of Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society and expands her dental knowledge by attending Circle City Hygiene Forum's continuing education courses.

“The best thing about my job is knowing that I can play a role in making a difference, whether I help encourage a shy child to try something new and ease his or her fears, or provide a fun visit full of laughs and smiles,” Amy said. She enjoys the CDC team, as well as the unique experiences she encounters with children everyday. Amy credits her parents with teaching her what is important in life and points to them as her inspiration.

When she isn’t working with her patients and their parents to maintain beautiful smiles, Amy can be found with her husband, Jordan, going out to relaxing dinners or exploring the outdoors. The couple lives in Noblesville, IN and has a chocolate miniature pinscher, Dunkin, and a calico cat, Trixie. She also enjoys spending quality time with her godchild and niece, Kinsley Rose, and nephew, Grahm. A year away from responsibilities would definitely include world travel with Jordan to Europe, Hawaii, Australia, and Fiji.

Ashley R. Thurman, Dental Assistant & Team Coordinator

As Dental Assistant & Team Coordinator at Children’s Dental Center, Ashley Thurman helps train new employees, keep the daily patient flow at maximum efficiency, coordinate community events, schedule general anesthesia cases and assist Dr. Michelle in the operating room with anesthesia patients. In addition, she takes charge of the insurance department, office protocols, and the office’s marketing efforts!

Ashley grew up in New Castle, IN. She graduated from Shenandoah High School in 2007, and dedicated her spare time senior year to attending the school’s vocational course for Dental Assisting. “I had braces when I was 10,” she remembers, “and just fell in love with dentistry!” After graduation, Ashley continued her education with Ivy Tech's Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Program and Coronal Polishing and Caries Prevention Course, and became CPR and Radiology Certified. “I have always been fascinated with teeth and educating people to have proper dental hygiene,” Ashley said.

Ashley has been with Children's Dental Center since 2008 and feels like her workplace is a second home. “I love the caring atmosphere provided for our patients, as well as each other,” she comments, adding, “We believe in going above and beyond for our patients to ensure a happy and healthy visit, and that’s the best part of my job!” This extends to Ashley’s visits to preschools, where she makes presentations about oral health. The family-focused CDC philosophy has become a mantra Ashley loves. “If I wouldn’t do it to my child, I won’t do it to yours!”

When she isn’t working, Ashley spends time with her boyfriend Jon and her Wheaten Terriers, Manny and Maeve. She enjoys going to wineries or dropping in for Taco Tuesday at Friaco’s. She is proud of the home she owns in Noblesville, IN, but her idea of a perfect year is to move to Maine, run a bed and breakfast, eat seafood every day and learn to sail.

Debra Murdock, Business & Dental Assistant

For Business and Dental Assistant Debra Murdock, the Children’s Dental Center is a place she can use all of her talents. She is a certified dental assistant with a radiology license who can assist with procedures as needed, but spends most of her time behind the front desk interacting with patients and their parents.

A Fort Wayne, IN, native, Debra has lived in Fishers for the better part of the past 15 years. Her Bachelor's degree is in General Studies from Indiana University, but she says she had a strong desire to work with families and knew an instructor at Dental Office Training by Lynn, where she ended up studying dental assisting.

“I have a great deal of experience communicating with children and relating to parents,” Debra comments, pointing to years as a single mom, a substitute teacher, and a school volunteer. “When I was young, we didn’t have the benefit of a pediatric dental specialist, so I admit dental visits were anxiety filled. My kids love coming here, and the most rewarding part of my job is seeing all the children who have had a happy dental experience and are looking forward to coming back to see us again!”

When she’s not wearing double hats at work, Debra can be found at home with her three children: Regan, 15, Keely, 13, and Nolan, 11. They also have two rescue dogs, adopted from Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership, which the family supports as their chosen charity. The foursome loves to travel, are planning an extended mid-western US trip, and hope someday to tour Europe, specifically Italy and Scotland.

Donna Berna, Dental Assistant & EFDA

For Dental Assistant and EFDA, Donna Berna, the job includes tasks integral to keeping the Children’s Dental Center schedule on track. She can be found in the background, preparing the patients trays for the day, getting rooms ready, sterilizing instruments; or chairside, polishing patient teeth, taking x-rays, and assisting the dentist.

Donna grew up in Michigan, but moved to Noblesville, IN, 21 years ago. “I always wanted to do something in medical field, and my high school had a dental assistant class,” she remembers. “So I signed up and loved it!” Donna attended Wayne County Community College for 4 years, went to Ivy Tech for certification in coronal polishing and caries prevention, and followed up with a course at Dental Office Training by Lynn for her Expanded Functions certificate.

“I love working with the children,” says Donna. “I love making them feel special, seeing them smile, and hearing them say they love coming here. I love that my coworkers are family, and we all get along. It's not going to work but getting together with family!”

When she’s not keeping the wheels running smoothly at Baby Tooth, Donna can be found with her family – husband, Michael; son, Michael Jr.; daughter, Abigail; and fur baby Poppy. Her favorite activity is going to the barn and riding her horse, and her least favorite is housework. Donna is also involved with From the Heart Rescue. A year off would be spent helping her mom and dad sell their house so they could move closer, with maybe a week or two spent on a vacation.

Samantha Sparks, EFDA, Surgical Assistant

Samantha’s duties at Children’s Dental Center and Indy Implants are many as an expanded functions dental assistant. On any given day, she may be educating patients on dental health, performing operative procedures, polishing teeth and charting.

A native of Anderson, IN, Samantha graduated high school from Anderson High in 2006. She attended Kaplan College to achieve a Dental Assisting Diploma in 2007, got her radiology license and became certified through Ivy Tech's Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Program and Coronal Polishing and Caries Prevention Course in 2011. Samantha pursued a dental career in response to her own dental journey. “I was always embarrassed about my smile,” Samantha said. “I had braces four times, so I wanted to help others be confident in their smiles.”

Samantha has worked in the dental field since 2007 and says the best part her job is the appreciation for everyone’s hard work and the ability to change the way people view dentistry. “They come in and think something is going to hurt or something bad is going to happen,” Samantha said. “It’s great to show them that the dental office is not a place to be scared of since we are here to help them, not hurt them.” She also enjoys the team driven and family atmosphere amongst the CDC staff.

Samantha currently lives in Anderson, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Ryan, and son, Vance. Her greatest achievement is becoming a mommy to Vance in January of 2017. The family has two “fur babies,” Kane and Gretzky. Samantha enjoys hanging out by the pool with family and friends and says her idea of a perfect weekend includes a Cincinnati Reds game or taking their boat to the lake.

Vicki is a Huntington, IN native, who graduated with a degree in marketing and distribution management from Indiana University. Vicki wanted to move into the dental field after her previous roles in sales and administration. She said, “As a child, I loved going to the dentist and the feeling of clean teeth.”

Vicki joined our practice in 2016. When it comes to working at Children’s Dental Center, Vicki said she really enjoys the fun atmosphere amongst co-workers and the wonderful, friendly families she sees each day.
Residing in Fishers now, Vicki loves relaxing by the pool with a good book and spending time with her family. Vicki and her husband, Jon, are parents to Max (18) and Maddie (16), as well as their black lab, Bonnie (9). She considers her children her greatest achievement and her parents her greatest admiration. “They taught me to be a kind, loving and generous person, regardless of what you receive in return,” Vicki said. Vicki has been a member of the St. Louis de Montfort parish for 19 years.

Jordan Waldron, EFDA

Jordan is an expanded functions dental assistant at Children’s Dental Center. She can be found each day caring for our patients' oral health and educating about dental habits.

A native of Anderson, IN, Jordan graduated high school from Anderson High in 2014. She attended Ivy Tech Community College after high school, as well as Indiana Dental Assistant School. Jordan decided to go to into dental professions because she always loved going to the dentist. “I was the kid who asked all the questions,” Jordan said. As a child, she said her grandparents made a huge impression on her. "They always support me and let me follow my dreams," Jordan said. "They have always taken care of me and gave my family the best life."

As an EFDA, Jordan says the best part her job is helping children attain healthy smiles. “I want to let them know that going to the dentist is not a bad experience,” she said. Thanks to her outgoing spirit and love of kids, Jordan thinks she is the perfect fit for Children's Dental Center. “I enjoy coming to work because of my patients and my team," she said.

Jordan currently lives in Chesterfield, and enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, mom, and two sisters. She considers her greatest achievement to be graduating college and landing at a great office for her growth in the dental field. In her free time, Jordan enjoys hiking the trails at Mounds Park with her dog Fudge, reading the Divergent series, and going to the lake house with her family.

Julie, EFDA

With 25 years of experience being an EFDA, Julie adds tons of expertise and passion to our Children’s Dental Center team to help make our patients’ visits the best they can possibly be. She carries out many different duties in our office, including performing operative procedures, polishing teeth, charting, educating patients about their oral health, and taking x-rays.

As a Carmel, IN native, Julie attended J. Everett Light Career Center for Dental Assisting, and received a certification for polishing from Ivy Tech Community College. Julie made the decision to enter the dental profession because she always loved visiting the dentist as a child. When thinking about her childhood visits, she said, “I really liked my dentist’s humor, and I always got a new toothbrush!” At one of her appointments, she decided to ask her hygienist about what her job was like, which inspired Julie to pursue that career path.

Julie’s favorite part about working at Children’s Dental Center is camaraderie with a great team, as well as the interaction with children. As an EFDA, she feels she is a great fit for this position because she is very patient and compassionate about children’s feelings. She wants all children’s dental experiences to be positive so they can be motivated to maintain their oral health over their lifetimes.

Julie currently lives in Noblesville with her husband, Bradley, son, Bo, and stepson, Bryson. In her free time, she is involved in a program called Lovability, which helps people with special needs at her church. The person Julie admires most is her mom, and she describes her mom as being “the most compassionate, kind-hearted, and understanding person I know.” She considers her greatest achievement to be becoming a mom herself and she would spend an ideal weekend relaxing by the pool with family.

Ashley Baker, Business Assistant

Ashley Baker is from Everett, WA and works hard in our office to schedule patients for recare, treatment, and OR's. Ashley is a Business Assistant who helps to review treatment plans and go over insurance coverage and options. Ashley has been in the profession for 3.5 years, and graduated from Wiregrass Technical College in 2015.

Ashley joined the dental profession to help people have more confident smiles, and loves getting to interact with our patients when they come in for their appointments. She says the best part of her job is how family-oriented the practice is, and of course, all the happy smiles she gets to see on a daily basis.

Ashley's idea of a perfect weekend is spending time with her husband, Nolan, and their puppy, Jaxon, or snuggling up with a Harry Potter book. Her favorite place is the zoo because she loves animals.